I would prefer day old chicks because my incubator isn't the best at temperature regulation.
In addition, my concern about shipment of eggs is their low viability due to the distance they have to travel and the dangerous trucks they will be bounced around in. If shipping from very close I would be more apt to consider it.
As for color, anything other than white is great. Preferably maybe buff, splash, or partridge... but its not crucial. I care more about disposition, which is why I want to meet the parents if possible. I currently have three black silkies from the feed store but they aren't the best. They are a bit skittish, and one has 6 toes one has 4 toes, and the third has flecks of white everywhere even though all three were supposedly black.
Thanks